Device and method for softening, freshening, preventing static, and de-wrinkling clothes

ABSTRACT

A device and process for softening, freshening, preventing static and de-wrinkling clothes in a timely and non-labor-intensive manner. The device includes a generally spherical holder with an exterior support with an exterior support surface, generally bounding the interior of the holder. Absorbent material is in the interior of the holder. The exterior support surface has one or more retainers to secure a fabric softener sheet on the outside of the holder. The absorbent material may also include a chamber to hold a nested stack or roll of fabric softener sheets. The fabric softener sheets are dispensed through an opening in the chamber and then through an opening in the exterior support. A user moistens the holder with water, dispenses a fabric softener sheet and secures the sheet to the outside of the holder using the at least one retainer. He then places the holder in the laundry dryer with wrinkled, stale or staticky clothes and operates the laundry dryer. The heat from the laundry dryer causes moisture to be released from the absorbent material to relax wrinkles and fabric softener to release from the sheet to soften, freshen and prevent static.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a device and method for de-wrinkling clothes, and more particularly, to a device and method for softening, freshening, preventing static and de-wrinkling clothes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A user who desires to de-wrinkle his clothes must generally choose between two time and labor-intensive alternatives. He is obliged either to set up an ironing board and painstakingly press the wrinkles, or to re-launder the articles, necessitating time in both the washer and laundry dryer. His choice of the latter will require some diligence since delayed removal after a finished drying cycle ironically results in wrinkled clothes.

Additionally, clothes often absorb undesirable smells from their surroundings. For example, clothes stored in a gym bag or in a car trunk may become stale despite not having been worn. To remove such unpleasant smells, a user must launder his clothes to freshen them and to infuse them with a more pleasant scent, such as the scent provided by a fabric softener sheet.

It is desirable to provide a device and method to quickly and easily soften, freshen, prevent static and de-wrinkles clothes without resorting to use of a washer or iron.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, an aspect of the invention relates to a fabric softener sheet holder, which includes a 3-dimensional form having an exterior support surface, an absorbent material inside the 3-dimensional support structure configured to hold moisture, and at least one retainer configured to hold a fabric softener sheet against the exterior support surface of the 3-dimensional form.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the absorbent material of the holder having a chamber to contain fabric softener sheets.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the holder's exterior support surface having an opening for the fabric softener sheets to emerge from the chamber.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the exterior support having an opening for the fabric softener sheets to emerge from the chamber.

An additional aspect of the invention relates to the holder's exterior support surface being fluid permeable.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the holder's exterior support surface being made of a fabric material.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the holder's form being generally spherical.

An additional aspect of the invention relates to the holder's form being generally ovoid.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the moisture absorbed by the absorbent material being water.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the at least one retainer on the exterior support surface being configured as a strap.

An additional aspect of the invention relates to the at least one retainer on the exterior support surface being configured as a fastener.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the at least one retainer on the exterior support surface being configured as a tie.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the at least one retainer on the exterior support surface being configured as a clip.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the at least one retainer on the exterior support surface being configured as an elastic loop.

An additional aspect of the invention relates to the fabric softener sheet being secured to the exterior support surface by the retainer.

Another aspect of the invention relates to softening, freshening, preventing static and de-wrinkling clothes by moistening the holder to dampen the absorbent material, securing a fabric softener sheet to the outside of the holder with the retainer, inserting the holder and clothes into a laundry dryer, and operating the laundry dryer to cause moisture to release from the absorbent material and fabric softener material to release from the sheet.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the moisture released in the laundry dryer being water vapor.

An additional aspect of the invention relates to the moisture released in the laundry dryer being steam.

Another aspect of the invention relates to softening, freshening, preventing static and de-wrinkling clothes by moistening the holder to dampen the absorbent material, dispensing a fabric softener sheet from the internal sheet chamber through the dispenser opening, securing the fabric softener sheet to the outside of the holder with the retainer, inserting the holder and clothes into a laundry dryer and operating the laundry dryer to cause moisture to release from the absorbent material and fabric softener material to release from the sheet.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the moisture released in the laundry dryer being water vapor.

An additional aspect of the invention relates to the moisture released in the laundry dryer being steam.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

Although the invention is shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification and the annexed drawings. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims. Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings.

Also, although the various features are described and are illustrated in respective drawings/embodiments, it will be appreciated that features of a given drawings or embodiment may be used in one or more other drawings or embodiments of the invention.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprise/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a 3-dimensional device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in use in a laundry dryer;

FIG. 2 is an exterior view of the device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device;

FIG. 4 is an exterior view of the holder with a fabric softener sheet attached in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exterior view of a holder with an opening for dispensing fabric softener sheets;

FIG. 6 is an interior view of the holder depicting the opening to the chamber.

FIG. 7 is an interior view of the holder with a roll of fabric softener sheets stored in the chamber; and

FIG. 8 is an exterior view of the holder with a fabric softener sheet attached in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIG. 1, the holder 10 is shown in operation with clothes 12 in a laundry dryer 14. The laundry dryer 14 may be a conventional laundry dryer commonly found in a household or a steam dryer system. The laundry dryer 14 includes a drum 16 to hold and rotate clothes and controls 18 to manipulate the operation of the laundry dryer 14.

Turning to the holder itself, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holder 10 is a 3-dimensional support structure with an exterior support 22 having an exterior support surface 22 s, generally bounding the interior 23 of the holder 10. Absorbent material 24 is in the interior 23 of the holder 10. The holder 10 is illustrated as being spherical; however, it may instead be ovoid or amorphous in shape. The exterior support 22 is moisture permeable and is generally made of colorfast microfiber fabric, although other moisture permeable material may be used, for example, screening. Generally, the exterior support 22 is constructed of relatively soft material to minimize noise inside the laundry dryer, as opposed to, for example, a hard plastic construction. However, some relatively rigid parts, for example, struts or the like may be used to help maintain the general shape of the holder 10 and/or the exterior support 22 thereof.

The fabric may be uniform or uneven in texture. The holder 10 includes at least one retainer 20 attached to the exterior support surface 22. The annexed figures illustrate two retainers 20, however, more retainers 20 may be used. The retainers 20 may be attached around the exterior support 22, for example, at the exterior support surface 22 s. The retainers 20 may be, for example, straps, fasteners, ties, clips or elastic loops. As shown in the figures, the retainers are straps.

As shown in FIG. 3, inside the exterior support 22 is an absorbent material 24. Such material 24 is moisture absorbent and can be a sponge or foam, for example. Generally, the moisture to be absorbed is water.

To soften, freshen, prevent static and de-wrinkle clothes, the user moistens the holder 10 with water. This can be accomplished by, for example, soaking the holder 10 in water or placing the holder 10 under a faucet for approximately 5-7 seconds. The user then wraps a fabric softener sheet 30 around the holder 10. The sheet 30 is secured with the retainers 20 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Attaching the fabric softener sheet 30 to the outside of the holder 10 has the added beneficial effect of maximizing the sheet's 30 exposed surface area to the clothes 12. This provides the user with more effective usage of the sheet 30. Further, the spread sheet 30 suspended along the exterior support surface 22 s does not crumple or become stuck or lost inside the user's clothes. If the user desires to only de-wrinkle his clothes, he may optionally dampen the holder 10 but refrain from attaching the fabric softener sheet 30 to the holder 10. The holder 10 is then placed inside a laundry dryer 14 with the wrinkled articles 12. The user then utilizes the laundry dryer controls 18 to achieve the desired heat level and drying time inside the drum 16. The heat from the laundry dryer 14 inside the drum 16 causes moisture to be released from the absorbent material 24. The released moisture can be in the form of water vapor or steam. The moisture evacuates the holder 10, causing wrinkles on the clothes 12 to relax. Additionally, the optionally included fabric softener sheet 30 is activated by moisture released by the absorbent material 24. In addition to being de-wrinkled, the clothes 12 are also softened, freshened with the scent of the fabric softener sheet 30, and static is prevented from occurring in the drum 16. The laundry dryer may be operated on a full cycle, however, it may be unnecessary to run longer than approximately 15 to 20 minutes for the wrinkles to be relaxed and freshness and softness to be restored, even for dry clothes placed in the laundry dryer 14.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the exterior support has an opening 26. Additionally, the absorbent material 24 includes a chamber 28. The chamber 28 has an opening 26′ that aligns with the opening 26 in the exterior support 22. The chamber 28 houses multiple fabric softener sheets 40. The sheets 40 can be in the form of a nested stack or roll. In FIG. 7 they are illustrated as a roll. Sheets 40 that are stored as a roll may reside freely inside the chamber 28 or may be secured to facilitate dispensing, for example, by a spindle. A single sheet 30 is easily dispensed from the chamber 28 through the chamber opening 26′ and then through the exterior support opening 26. The chamber 28 may be formed to tightly or loosely fit the roll or nested stack of fabric softener sheets 40. The chamber 28 may be made of material, for example, such as plastic or rubber. However, it is generally advisable that the chamber 28 be made of a material capable of withstanding the high temperatures introduced inside the drum 16 during operation of the laundry dryer 14. Additionally, the material of the chamber 28, should protect the sheets 40 that are stored inside the chamber 28 from moisture and excessive heat.

The opening 26 in the exterior support 22 may be kept generally closed in order to minimize heat and moisture penetrating the sheets 40 stored in the chamber 28 inside the holder 10. This may be accomplished by lining the opening 26 with elastic or by other securing mechanisms, such as with hook and loop constructions or snaps. The annexed figures illustrate openings 26 and 26′ with elastic construction. Replacement or refilling of fabric softener sheets 40 may be accomplished by parting the opening 26, inserting the roll or stack of sheets 40 through the exterior support opening 26 and through the chamber opening 26′ and depositing them inside the chamber 28.

The holder 10 includes at least one retainer 20 attached to the exterior support surface 22. The annexed figures illustrate two retainers 20, however, more retainers 20 may be used. The retainers 20 may be attached around the exterior support 22, for example, at the exterior support surface 22 s. The retainers 20 may be, for example, straps, fasteners, ties, clips or elastic loops. As shown in the figures, the retainers are straps.

To soften, freshen, prevent static and de-wrinkle clothes, the user moistens the holder 10 with water. This can be accomplished by, for example, soaking the holder 10 in water or placing the holder 10 under a faucet for approximately 5-7 seconds. The user then dispenses a fabric softener sheet 30 from the roll 40 through the opening 26 in the exterior surface 22. The sheet 30 is secured around the exterior surface 22 with the retainers 20 as illustrated in FIG. 8. As was discussed above, attaching the fabric softener sheet 30 maximally exposes the sheet 30 to provide the user with more effective usage of the sheet 30, e.g., as compared to a folded or crumpled sheet. Additionally, the sheet 30 can not crumple or become stuck or lost inside the user's clothes. If the user desires to only de-wrinkle his clothes, he may optionally dampen the holder 10 but refrain from dispensing the fabric softener sheet 30 through the openings 26′ and 26. The holder 10 is then placed inside a laundry dryer 14 with the wrinkled articles 12. The user then utilizes the laundry dryer controls 18 to achieve the desired heat level and drying time inside the drum 16. The heat from the laundry dryer 14 inside the drum 16 causes moisture to be released from the absorbent material 24. The released moisture can be in the form of water vapor or steam. The moisture evacuates the holder 10, causing wrinkles on the clothes 12 to relax. Additionally, the optionally included fabric softener sheet 30 is activated by moisture released by the absorbent material 24. In addition to being de-wrinkled, the clothes 12 are also softened, freshened with the scent of the fabric softener sheet 30, and static is prevented from occurring in the drum 16. The laundry dryer may be operated on a full cycle, however, it may be unnecessary to run longer than approximately 15 to 20 minutes for the wrinkles to be relaxed and freshness and softness to be restored, even for dry clothes placed in the laundry dryer.

It should be noted that the holder 10 may also be used without preliminarily moistening the absorbent material 24. Instead, a user may attach a fabric softener sheet 30 to the exterior support surface 22 s of a holder 10 and may then place the holder 10 and moist clothes 12 in the drum 16 of a laundry dryer 14. The user may then operate the laundry dryer 14 via the controls 18 and commence drying the clothes 12. The holder 10 with the retained fabric softener sheet 30 provides the above described functions. The holder 10 acts as a support to keep the fabric softener sheet 30 from becoming lost in the clothes 12 or crumpled, thereby tending to prevent a reduction in its effectiveness.

Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the invention may have other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the cope of the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. 

1. A fabric softener sheet holder, comprising: a 3-dimensional support structure having an exterior support, the exterior support having an exterior support surface; an absorbent material inside the 3-dimensional support structure, the absorbent material configured to hold moisture; and at least one retainer configured to hold a fabric softener sheet against the exterior support surface of the 3-dimensional form.
 2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material has a chamber to contain fabric softener sheets.
 3. The holder of claim 2, wherein the exterior support has an opening for the fabric softener sheets to emerge from the chamber.
 4. The holder of claim 2, wherein the exterior support has an opening for the fabric softener sheets to emerge from the chamber.
 5. The holder of claim 1, wherein the exterior support is fluid permeable.
 6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the exterior support is a fabric material.
 7. The holder of claim 1, wherein the form is spherical.
 8. The holder of claim 1, wherein the form is ovoid.
 9. The holder of claim 1, wherein the moisture is water.
 10. The holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is a strap.
 11. The holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is a fastener.
 12. The holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is a tie.
 13. The holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is a clip.
 14. The holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is an elastic loop.
 15. The holder of claim 1, wherein the fabric softener sheet is secured to the exterior support surface by being secured by the at least one retainer.
 16. A method of softening, freshening, preventing static, and de-wrinkling clothes using the holder of claim 1, comprising: moistening the holder, such that the absorbent material is damp; securing a fabric softener sheet to the outside of the holder with the at least one retainer; inserting the holder and dry clothes into a laundry dryer; and operating the laundry dryer, thereby causing moisture to release from the absorbent and fabric softener material to release from the sheet to soften, freshen, prevent static, and de-wrinkle clothes.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the moisture released is water vapor.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the moisture released is steam.
 19. A method of softening, freshening, preventing static, and de-wrinkling clothes using the holder of claim 1, comprising: moistening the holder, such that the absorbent material is damp; dispensing a fabric softener sheet from the internal sheet chamber through the dispenser opening; securing the fabric softener sheet to the outside of the holder with the at least one retainer; inserting the holder and clothes into a laundry dryer; and operating the laundry dryer, thereby causing moisture to release from the absorbent and fabric softener material to release from the sheet to soften, freshen, prevent static, and de-wrinkle clothes.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the moisture released is water vapor.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the moisture released is steam. 